Herrera speaks out after United farce

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted he was flattered by interest from Manchester United, while suggesting the Premier League club have more questions to answer over their conduct when trying to complete the deal on transfer deadline day.

The midfielder told reporters at Bilbao's new San Mames Berria ground after training on Wednesday afternoon that he had liked hearing of the interest from such a huge club, but had not even got so far as to discuss personal terms directly with United.

"I feel very flattered to see that one of the biggest clubs in the world made an offer for me," Herrera said. "At no moment did either I or my agent reach an agreement with United. At no moment did I speak with United. I do not know if they spoke with my agent, but after that they would need to persuade me [to leave Athletic]. They had to pay the clause and, then, make a more persuasive case to me than Athletic. I never saw myself elsewhere."

The proposed transfer had taken a surreal turn on Monday afternoon with three unknown 'representatives' photographed entering the Liga de Futbol Profesional offices in Madrid, but then leaving an hour later without finalising any deal.

Marca soon identified the three as bona fide experts from the Bilbao law firm Laffer Abagados which had helped Javi Martinez and Bayern Munich to successfully finalise his move to Germany 12 months ago in similar circumstances.

Herrera said he did not know who the three men were, while suggesting that United might be able to shed more light on the matter.

"The lawyers who were at the LFP offices did not represent me," he said. "I did not even know who they were. There are questions which United must answer. "

And the 2011 European Under-21 champion said he held no grudges with either Athletic or United over how the events had played out.

"I knew that United were going to make an offer, but we all know the way the club acts [in these situations]," he said. "I am proud they made an offer for me, and that Athletic wanted me [to stay]. I do not feel used by United, they made a formal offer. Athletic did not want to negotiate, I value that. I am relaxed as I have behaved well. And the club is loyal and honest with what it transmits."

United may now return with another offer for Herrera, 24, during the January window, but the player says for now he is just focused on performing for his current club at their new stadium.

"I am very happy at Athletic," he said. "I just have in my head to play a good season at [the new] San Mames. I am going to keep showing my commitment to Athletic, as I have done since the first day I arrived. San Mames is spectacular. The pitch needs to settle down but we are going to be envied on a world level."